CF Montreal coaches may give players credit for the team’s recent successes, and vice versa, but two main principles come up regularly in discussions: trust and humility.
The playoff race could hardly be tighter in the Eastern Conference, as just five points separate fifth-place Columbus Crew from 13-place Atlanta United.e rank, but CF Montreal has risen above the fray by going undefeated in its last six games (4-0-2).
It’s already a second six-game unbeaten streak for the Montrealers this season, after a record-breaking eight-game streak stretching from March 19 to May 14, and it’s easy to see why.
The Bleu-blanc-noir is able to dominate his opponents for possession time, he is incisive and creative in attack, he puts pressure on defense and he does not seem intimidated when he plays on the road. Each player knows what he has to do and seems to be at the top of his game – or almost – for a few weeks.
“Habits are formed when you live them and we had a great streak like this not so long ago,” said head coach Wilfried Nancy on Thursday during a training session at dawn. a duel at home against the New England Revolution. I continue to challenge the players to see if they are able to continue in this state of mind. »
“I know they are capable of doing it, but afterwards there are a lot of things that we don’t control and it’s not the same championship anymore. There will be surprising results at times, but I’m not surprised at what they are currently achieving. »
CF Montreal offered a good proof of the quality of their game during their visit to Houston on Saturday, defeating Dynamo 3-2 in difficult conditions. It was the first victory in team history in the Texas city after eight unsuccessful attempts (0-7-1).
The Dynamo, who are among the worst teams in the Western Conference this season, seemed like a viable opponent for the Montreal troupe, but Nancy insisted that his men achieved a feat of arms by going for three points at Houston.
“The players always train with great intensity and this trip to Houston was not easy. I felt among the fans that it was normal for us to win there. I liked it because it shows where we’re coming from, but on the other hand, it’s abnormal what the guys have accomplished in Houston, he said. It was very hot, it’s very difficult to play there, but the guys are in a state of mind that they are ready to play any match. It was with a lot of humility that we won this game, but it was not a given. »
Goalkeeper James Pantemis also stood out in Houston thanks to several important saves, especially in the first half. After suffering a bitter 4-0 loss against Toronto FC during the Canadian Championship, the Montrealer was undefeated in his first five outings of the season in addition to signing two shutouts.
Pantemis, who had lost his position as number one goalkeeper to Sebastian Breza, is also in good physical and mental condition and he gives reason to his head coach for having trusted him.
“Not only was it tough to lose 4-0, but it was a loss against Toronto as well. My mentality hasn’t changed though. I knew that in the nature of sport things can change and you have to be ready to seize that opportunity,” Pantemis said. I was able to grow mentally and I don’t think I wasted my time at the start of the season. I found destrucs to improve my game, but also to stay mentally strong. »
Quebec midfielder Samuel Piette has also found a second gear in his game and it’s the offensive side that has stood out for a few games, including the last two.
Piette set the stage for Romell Quioto’s goal against Inter Miami CF with a superb cross and delivered a fine pass for Alistair Johnston to thread the needle against Dynamo. The Quebecer did not hesitate to praise the work of Nancy and her staff, who put everything in place so that the players succeed in playing to their full potential.
“The seasons are long and there are injuries, but the way we play and the content we give are pretty much the same in every game. It is also thanks to Wilfried and his staff. Wilfried often tells us that it’s thanks to the players that the team is successful, but it’s also thanks to the game system. We could have the same players, but play in a completely different way and I don’t think that we would be so successful. Everyone is important in the way Wilfried manages his squad. Hats off to him and his staff,” said Piette.
In addition, Rudy Camacho was again absent from training on Thursday due to a shoulder injury suffered against Dynamo. Nancy let it be known that he should miss a few weeks of play, but that it was not a fracture.